Can I eat alone in Korea?

Yes. Eating alone (honbap) is part of Korean dining culture, and many places have bar or counter seats. Some set menus are designed for two or more people, so ask whether a single portion is possible.

• ✓Eating or drinking solo, called honbap and honsul, is part of Korean dining culture.
• ✓Many small restaurants have bar seats so solo diners do not occupy a whole table.
• △Set menus can be designed for more than two people. Some restaurants let you order a single dish instead.

• •A phrase such as “One person” (Han myeong)

• •Choosing a grill restaurant that only serves group portions without asking first

• •Gukbap restaurants and places with bar or counter seats

• 🍜Can I find non-spicy Korean food?Yes. Bulgogi, marinated galbi, samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), grilled fish and soybean-paste stew are mild. Check side dishes such as kimchi, which can be spicy.✓YESFood & DiningView answer →
• 🍜Can I find vegetarian food in Korea?Yes, and vegetarian options are growing, but many dishes that look vegetarian use fish or meat broth. Tell the staff what you cannot eat, and use a phrase card.✓YES, WITH CONDITIONSFood & DiningView answer →

• VisitKorea: A lone traveler and the charms of tranquility

VisitKorea describes solo-friendly restaurants; minimum-portion rules vary by restaurant.